Be Sun Smart : SM

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers,
including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease
your risk of skin cancer. Here's how to Be Sun Smart SM:

• Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection

Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from
both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed
skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after
swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITIONTM
on products that meet these criteria.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a
wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are
strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than
you are, seek shade.
• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using
protective clothing and applying sunscreen.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the
damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin
supplements. Don't seek the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds
can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've
been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but
continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything
changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist.
Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

SKIN CANCER

Treatable
Beatable 1-888-462-DERM • www.aad.org

with early detection

©2008 American Academy of Dermatology. Use of this poster does not imply product or service endorsement by the American Academy of Dermatology.